Healthy Chocolate Chip Waffles

Picture courtesy of Kristine’s Kitchen

Skip the boxed waffles in the frozen food aisle, and make these for your kids and all the kids-at-heart in your house instead. You can miss out on the artificial junk in name-brand waffles by making them from scratch.

While you’re at it, upgrade most of the white flour to whole-wheat, and use real butter and buttermilk for better flavor.

Healthy Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Picture courtesy of The Big Man’s World

Next time you pass by a Cinnabon, keep on walking as you remember this alternative, which uses vanilla protein powder in the batter and the frosting. Breakfast will be protein-packed with a recipe like this.

They’re Paleo waffles too with coconut flour. Complete with a drizzle of frosting and a dash of cinnamon.

Apple Cider Waffles

Picture courtesy of Add a Pinch

When you have a jug of fresh-pressed apple cider in the fridge, it’s hard not to want to drink it all day. But save the hot cider and rum for later in the day, and prepare these unique waffles for breakfast while you wait. Or have a cold glass of cider in the morning, and remember to pick up another gallon next time you’re at the farmers’ market.

Brie & Blueberry Waffle Grilled Cheese

Picture courtesy of Damn Delicious

These waffles are decadent and will knock your socks off with rich, creamy filling.

That’s right – it’s a sandwich made with golden waffles, melted brie, and juicy blueberries. Next time you’re planning brunch on the weekend, whether it’s for two or for twenty, this is a great way to impress guests while keeping it simple.

Savory Cheddar Waffle BLT with Fried Egg

Picture courtesy of Chow

You can use any waffles to make this sandwich, or make the cheddar waffles to eat alone. But really it’s best to combine all of the flavors of a traditional American breakfast + a classic BLT into one bite.

Sure, this sandwich is a labor of love, but make it once, and you’ll be hooked on having this inventive mash-up for weekend brunch.

Whole Wheat Sweet Potato Waffles

Picture courtesy of Flavor the Moments

If you love sweet potato pie, you’ll definitely want to start your day with these Belgian-style waffles. Not only do they taste like dessert, but they’re made with whole wheat flour for more robust flavor as well as more vitamins.

Authentic Liège Waffles

Picture courtesy of Not Martha

To make an over-the-top breakfast, make waffles in the style of Liège, Belgium. What these lack in overall healthfulness, they make up for in authentic flavor.

What you’ll need to get a hold of first, though, is a secret ingredient: Belgian pearl sugar. Next, you’ll need patience because the yeast dough has to rise for several hour, ideally overnight, before folding in that pearl sugar and firing up the waffle iron.

Vegan Falafel Waffle

Picture courtesy of One Green Planet

Want to enjoy falafels without the fuss of frying?

Stick them in your waffle maker for a vegan dish that’s crispy on the outside and delicious with a dollop of fresh hummus. Then add other toppings to your liking, such as cucumber, diced tomato, pickled peppers, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Brownie Waffles

Picture courtesy of Dashing Dish

There are healthy ways to have dessert for breakfast, including these chocolatey waffles.

The recipe is low in fat and added sugar because of the inclusion of bananas. You may be tempted to add chocolate syrup to these chocolate waffles, but that might be overkill. They’ll actually taste better with something creamy, such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, to contrast the chocolate.

Vietnamese Pandan Waffle

Picture courtesy of My Wife Makes

For a rare taste of Southeast Asia, seek out pandan extract, which has a sweet, bright, herbaceous flavor.

It’s hardly ever heard of in the U.S., but pandan is used like vanilla in Vietnam. Frequently used in desserts, pandan also makes a great addition for waffles. These also a get an infusion of Asian flavor from using coconut milk.

Hong Kong Egg Waffle

Picture & recipe courtesy of Brunch with Joy

These require a special kind of pan to make the texture of bubbles, and the final result will bring a popular snack from Hong Kong to your kitchen.

As a street food, egg waffles can definitely be empty calories, so watch when you choose to eat them. The batter is a lot like the kind used to make Belgian waffles, which is to say it’s a lot of carbs and not much else.

Chocolate Belgian Waffle Sticks with Peanut Butter Dip

Picture courtesy of Inspired by Familia

Start your day on the right note by making breakfast a little more fun.

These waffle sticks are finger food that you can dip into a healthy peanut butter sauce. With other maple syrup alternatives, it can feel like something is missing. But this sauce, whether you dip or drizzle, is just the right consistency to replace it.

Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles

Picture courtesy of Joy the Baker

Sometimes you can’t beat a classic. When all you need is a simple brunch, this is blueberry waffle recipe is perfect. Serve with other go-to breakfast items like sausage patties, fruit salad, and eggs over easy.